Shopping in Egypt - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Tourists coming to Egypt are struck by the variety of goods. If you don't want shopping in the country to disappoint you, it is better to decide what to buy in advance. When visiting Egyptian shops and street markets, special attention should be paid to souvenirs. In the pursuit of souvenirs, it is worthwhile to focus on unique things that have become a calling card of the country. These are images of the pyramids and the Sphinx, amulets in the shape of cats and scarabs, papyrus, hookahs, drums, incense, essential oils, oil perfumes, oriental sweets, fragrant spices, and hibiscus tea. In high demand are cartouches - silver or golden ovals displaying the name of a person written in Egyptian hieroglyphs. Of great interest are "Kaf Maryam" dry grass balls blooming in the water and unusual Desert Rose mineral.

Clothes from cotton of the highest quality are sold in Egypt. The best cotton clothing for children is produced by "Baby Koka", home textiles - by "Dahar". Look for clothes from Egyptian cotton in branded shops of local producers. Products from camel wool may become wonderful souvenirs: socks, slippers, rugs, carpets, blankets. As exotic gifts, you can buy some goods from crocodile or snake skins. At popular resorts, you can buy gold and silver jewelry with ancient Egyptian attributes. Egyptian markets are full of authentic interior goods. These are painted glass jugs, traditional copper and clay tableware with filigree patterns, elegant porcelain, and crystalware, alabaster statuettes, sophisticated lamps, carved animal figurines, ritual masks, and stone candlesticks.

One of the country's largest shopping centers is "Senzo Mall" in Cairo. Here you can find everything: national and European clothing, food, furniture, luxury goods, and souvenirs. The building houses the underground parking and many cozy restaurants. Fans of antiquity will probably like "Lorientalist" store specializing in rare blackened silver products, Persian rugs, and Egyptian utensils. "Patisserie Assad" pastry shop offers a wide range of Arab sweets: candies, pastilles, Turkish delight. The largest bazaars of the country are Khan el-Khalili in the capital and Aswan's bazaar. One day is hardly enough to explore them. On Fridays in Cairo, there is a famous flea market where you can buy herbal decoctions, amulets or healing medicines. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Shopping in Sharm El Sheikh brings tourists a lot of fun. Naama Bay Promenade is a huge shopping arteria passing near Naama Bay Hotel. On both sides of the street, there are shops and entertainment facilities to suit every taste. Hadaba district attracts fans of jewelry and brand clothes. Il Mercato Shopping Mall offers a huge selection of souvenirs and mass production goods. In DANYEL Leather & Fur, you can buy quality products made in Turkey. In Hurghada, there is also Senzo Mall housing many branded shops. Many shops and cafes stretch along Marina Boulevard. On Sheraton Street and in Esplanada Bay Mall you can find shops selling jewelry, cotton, hookahs, tobacco, and souvenirs. There are also boutiques of world famous brands: Puma, Adidas, Timberland, Charles & Keith, Daily Dress. On the market in Hurghada's old part, you can buy exotic fruits and fresh seafood at affordable prices.

Luxor is another center of Egyptian shopping. Exclusive souvenirs are sold in local shops and markets without fixed prices. The atmosphere of traditional oriental bazaar reigns on Souks open-air market where stalls are full of fruit and spices. Habiba Gallery offers original handmade souvenirs. In Fair Trade Center you can buy clay and wooden ware, embroideries, and Bedouin carpets, silk, cotton and linen fabrics. Crafts from alabaster are sold at the Nefertari Papyrus Institute. Shops in Egypt are usually open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. In winter, most outlets make a lunch break from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and in the summer - from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Supermarkets are open until late at night. Popular tourist shops close at around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Days off are Friday and Sunday. During Ramadan, shopping facilities open later and close earlier. Seasons of sales reaching 25-50% fall on February and August.

The art of bargaining is well-developed In Egypt, but it is only practiced on street markets and in small shops. Here there are no cash registers, so sellers are always happy to bargain. There is an opinion that an Egyptian vendor is able to determine the tourist's well-being by his/her look. If things you need are overpriced, do not give up. If the seller notices a lack of interest, the price will be immediately reduced. The prices of goods depend on the location: at resorts and in areas close to hotels, they are much higher than on bazaars. In Egypt, there are no fixed prices, so the cost of buying often depends on the ability to bargain. Don't want to overpay? Do not buy souvenirs in places advised by taxi drivers.